As the Montreal Canadiens wrapped up a pivotal stretch of their season, they leaned on a familiar formula: timely scoring, steady goaltending, and the emergence of their young core. In a week where every point mattered, especially with their Atlantic Division rivals all stringing together wins, Montreal answered the call-knocking off the red-hot Buffalo Sabres and seizing third place in the standings.
This wasn’t just a good week. It was a statement. And at the heart of it were three players who stepped up when it mattered most.
Third Star - Nick Suzuki: The Engine of the Offense
Nick Suzuki didn’t lead the team in goals last week, but make no mistake-he was the heartbeat of the Canadiens’ attack. His fingerprints were all over Montreal’s big win over Buffalo, where he registered two assists and played a key role in driving the transition game.
Over three games, Suzuki tallied two goals and five points, while logging nearly 19 minutes a night and going toe-to-toe with some of the league’s elite-Jack Eichel, Nathan MacKinnon, and Tage Thompson. The result?
Those three combined for just one assist and a minus-4 rating when matched up against him.
That’s not just solid two-way play-it’s shutdown hockey from your top center.
Suzuki’s impact went beyond the scoresheet. He was instrumental in maintaining offensive rhythm, especially when opponents keyed in on Cole Caufield.
Whether it was carrying the puck through the neutral zone, winning key faceoffs (he finished the week at 50%), or making the smart play under pressure, Suzuki was the kind of player coaches trust in big moments. His three-point night against the league-leading Avalanche wasn’t just a highlight-it was a message.
Montreal isn’t just rebuilding anymore. They’re pushing.
Second Star - Jakub Dobes: Calm in the Crease
While Montreal’s offense made headlines, it was Jakub Dobes who quietly held the fort-and arguably stole the week.
In a stretch where the Canadiens made waves by firing their goaltending coach, Dobes responded with poise and presence. He started all three games and was rock-solid throughout, including a 36-save performance in Buffalo that helped secure a crucial regulation win. His pad save on a backdoor chance in that game was the kind of moment that shifts momentum-and keeps your team in the fight.
Dobes didn’t just make saves. He made timely saves.
In a high-tempo overtime win against Vegas, he stood tall during a flurry of special teams action, allowing Montreal to stay aggressive and close out a tight contest. His calm demeanor gave the skaters in front of him the confidence to push the pace without worrying about what was happening behind them.
And perhaps most importantly, Dobes helped the Canadiens take all six available points last week-none of which were surrendered to divisional opponents. That’s the kind of goaltending that moves you up the standings.
First Star - Cole Caufield: Mr. Clutch
If there’s one player who defined Montreal’s week, it was Cole Caufield. The winger was electric, scoring three goals and adding an assist-none bigger than the two he buried in the third period of a 4-2 road win in Buffalo.
One tied the game. The other was the game-winner.
That’s what stars do.
Caufield now sits at 32 goals on the season and is tracking toward career-best numbers-48 goals and 85 points if he keeps this up. But beyond the pace, it’s the when that matters.
Twenty-three of those 32 goals have come with the Canadiens tied or trailing by one. That’s not just production-it’s pressure-packed, game-altering scoring.
And somehow, despite leading the NHL in game-winning goals with eight, Caufield was left off Team USA’s Olympic roster. If he’s bitter, he’s not showing it. He’s just making teams pay.
Even in a 7-3 blowout win over Colorado where he didn’t find the scoresheet, Caufield’s presence opened up space and kept the defense on its heels. His ability to deliver in the biggest moments has become a defining trait-and a major reason why the Canadiens are very much in the playoff mix.
While other players made meaningful contributions, it was the trio of Caufield, Dobes, and Suzuki who set the tone and helped the Canadiens close out January with a three-game winning streak. In a division where every point feels like a playoff game, that kind of momentum matters.
Montreal is starting to look like more than just a young team with promise. They’re playing like a group that believes it belongs in the postseason conversation. And if their stars keep showing up like this, they just might make it a reality.